Local Artists Put Finishing Touches On New Symbol of Hope & Spirit in Joplin
By: Katie Love
Updated: May 17, 2012
JOPLIN, MO -- Local artists put the finishing touches on a new symbol of hope and spirit in Joplin.
"This tree was barren and a little bit sad by itself," Tank artist Emily Frankoski says.
Sad no more, now that a Joplin art group known as "The Tank" is bringing life to this area left bare by the May 22nd storm.
"We want people to see how bright and alive it is just like Joplin," Frankoski says.
It's called the "Spirit Tree" and spectators have traveled from far and wide just to get a glimpse of this colorful art.
"There's been a naked tree for a long time and all of a sudden it's spectacular," tree visitor Robert Worthylake says.
"We have a lot of people out here honking, whistling, clapping stopping by," Tank member Shaun Conroy says.
"It's been great to have so much positive energy around our project," Frankoski says. "We've had so many people take a liking to the tree."
The group almost ran into some trouble finishing the tree.
They needed a fork lift to reach the top, but their problems didn't last long, a local contracting company swooped in to help.
"It's important for us to help Joplin rebuild in anyway we can," donated supplies Brad Hicks says.
"The Tank members are so grateful for their generous donation," Frankoski says.
People stopping by say the colorful display in the tornado zone helps keep their spirits up.
The group hopes to finish the spirit tree by the end of the day.
"This tree was barren and a little bit sad by itself," Tank artist Emily Frankoski says.
Sad no more, now that a Joplin art group known as "The Tank" is bringing life to this area left bare by the May 22nd storm.
"We want people to see how bright and alive it is just like Joplin," Frankoski says.
It's called the "Spirit Tree" and spectators have traveled from far and wide just to get a glimpse of this colorful art.
"There's been a naked tree for a long time and all of a sudden it's spectacular," tree visitor Robert Worthylake says.
"We have a lot of people out here honking, whistling, clapping stopping by," Tank member Shaun Conroy says.
"It's been great to have so much positive energy around our project," Frankoski says. "We've had so many people take a liking to the tree."
The group almost ran into some trouble finishing the tree.
They needed a fork lift to reach the top, but their problems didn't last long, a local contracting company swooped in to help.
"It's important for us to help Joplin rebuild in anyway we can," donated supplies Brad Hicks says.
"The Tank members are so grateful for their generous donation," Frankoski says.
People stopping by say the colorful display in the tornado zone helps keep their spirits up.
The group hopes to finish the spirit tree by the end of the day.
